Minutes of the General Meeting of the Probus Club of Nanoose Bay
St. Mary’s Church Hall
9:15 am on February 19, 2016
to download a copy of these minutes, click Gen. Mtng Minutes of PCNB Feb. 19, 2016
Welcome:
Bob Bevis in the chair. Meeting called to order at 9:15 am.
Members with Guests:
Bob introduced Marie Emery’s granddaughter from New Zealand, who is attending University in Vancouver, as a special guest today. An additional 8 guests were introduced by their member hosts today.
Announcements:
Thanks to Alida and Pat Sali for setup and door duties today. Thanks as well to the Catering Crew Maggie Carter and Slyv Hansen.
Minutes:
Judie Taylor moved to approve the Minutes of the General Meeting held January 15, 2016, as posted on the website. Seconded by Lynda Ingram. All in favour.
Treasurer: Carolyn Dodd reported funds available at the Coastal Community Credit Union, as of February 18, 2016 are:
- Chequing Account: $3664.00
- High Interest Account: $3807.00
Social Convenor:
Ann Lawson reported the tour and demonstration at Robert Held’s Glass Studio in Parksville in January was highly successful. Photos of the event are posted on the website.
Upcoming events are:
- Feb. 23 Tour and talk at the Coyote Coffee Roastery in Parksville at 2:00 pm.
- March 30 Trivia Night with wings and beer at Benz Lounge, 7 pm, 4 person teams.
- April 21 Historical Bus Tour of Parksville/Nanaimo, with local historian David Maas as the guide. Tour takes 5 hours; bring own lunch and drinks.
- May 21 Clayoquot Island Preserve Stubbs Island May Long Weekend Open House. Accommodation in Tofino on Friday, then water taxis to the Island on Saturday am.
- May 27 – 29 Cougar Annie’s Garden experience. One open spot remaining.
- June 16 Comox Valley Craft Brewery Tour. Three breweries plus lunch.
- July 15 Annual Summer Picnic at 4 pm. In planning stage, more info to come.
Be sure to visit the website for full details and costs, and to sign up online.
Sunshine:
Jacqui Townsend reported that 2 cards will be sent out in response to information she received at the meeting. Once again, if you know of someone who is in need of cheering, please let Jacqui know.
Special Interest Groups:
In Anne Larson’s absence, Tony Ransom asked SIG leaders to comment on their group’s activities.
- ABBA (Anything But Bridge Association) had their inaugural Games Night in February, and will meet March 8. Contact Anne Larson for details
- Book Clubs #1 and #2 are both active.
- The Men’s Book Club will not meet until April, and is inviting new participants.
- All Bridge Clubs are active.
- The Book and DVD exchange has received a new infusion of books for your reading pleasure. The Computer Club will be discussing navigating Windows 10 at this month’s meeting.
- The Dinner Theatre event takes place on March 13 to see the production of “Million Dollar Quartet” at Chemainus Theatre, matinee at 2:00 pm.
- The Gardening Club will restart in April.
- The Hiking Club’s next outing will be March 10, information to follow.
- Les Wineaux next event is being planned for May/June, and will be a Sit-Down Dinner affair.
- The Mah Jongg Club meets every Monday afternoon, now with 2 hosting locations to accommodate the larger group.
- The Photography Club will be taking a field trip to Victoria in March.
- The Walking Club meets on Wednesdays for their weekly walking destination. No need to sign up beforehand, just meet at Nanoose Place at 9:20 am.
Two new SIGs are being promoted to determine interest. Jane Currie discussed the concept of a “Concert Club”, and Bob Bevis is promoting the idea of a “Live Classics” group to attend the live streamings of Opera and Shakespeare productions at a Nanaimo theatre.
Please check the website for full current information for all SIGs.
Communications:
Ron Windrim reported that he is gradually stepping back from his Website role. Robyn Arnold is taking hold of those activities for the future, and Ron will help out if and when it is needed.
Membership:
Alida Sali reported our membership is full at 180, with a waiting list of fourteen people. Three new members were presented with their Badges and Pins today; they are Jane Currie, and Brenda and Tom Haddow.
Guest Speaker:
Jacqui Townsend introduced our guest speaker Nestor Gayowsky, whose topic was “Ukraine – What does the West Want”. Nestor served in several federal government departments during his career, and it was during his time in Foreign Affairs that he became familiar with the Ukraine. He established Canada’s Embassy in Kiev in January 1992 as Charge D’affaires. His presentation depicted the problems in the Ukraine with wars and repression constantly present, along with rampant corruption. Nestor urged us to watch a Netflix documentary called “Winter on Fire – Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom” to fully understand the situation in Ukraine as it stands today.
Jacqui thanked Mr. Gayowsky for giving us a detailed insight into the struggles of the Ukraine.
Pub Lunch: Black Goose Pub 11:45 am 10 people signed up.
Attendance Today: 74 Members 9 Guests
Final Announcements:
March 18, 2016 AGM Meeting: See proposed Slate of Officers on website.
March Speaker:
Doug Harrison will speak on the topic: “Railway Logging – Alberni Valley”
Reminder: Please return your name badges to the box on your way out.
Adjourn: Meeting adjourned at 11:20 am.
